In response to media enquiries on harbour activities organised by some individual groups today (November 13), a spokesman for the Government gives the following reply:
"The Government fully appreciates and shares the community's aspirations to protect and preserve Victoria Harbour. As reasserted by the Chief Executive in the Policy Address delivered last month, the Government is committed to the protection and beautification of the harbour. The continued protection, preservation and enhancement of the harbour have been our policy goals.
The harbour, a symbol of the city of Hong Kong, is one of the most valuable public assets and a vital part of Hong Kong's natural heritage. The Government is committed to working closely with the community to enhance the waterfront areas of Victoria Harbour with a view not only to creating an enjoyable harbour-front, but also to facilitating other economic activities for the community and celebrating the harbour which embodies our collective memories and achievements.
The Hong Kong Harbour Day, with the Secretary for Home Affairs being the Patron of the event and various government departments taking part and rendering logistics support, is a good example of community-driven effort to promote the harbour for the enjoyment of all, and we are thankful for the community's initiatives.
The Government has repeatedly pledged that apart from the existing Central Reclamation Phase III (CRIII), Wan Chai Development Phase II and Kai Tak (Southeast Kowloon) Development, we will not consider any reclamations within the harbour.
It is also the Government's pledge to adhere strictly to the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance and comply with the 'overriding public need' test stipulated by the Court of Final Appeal in taking forward all remaining reclamation projects.
The Government's determination to protect the harbour and to involve the public in achieving our policy goals is also exemplified by the setting up of the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee (HEC) in May 2004.
With broad-based community representation, the HEC is tasked with advising the Government on planning, land use, development and enhancement of the existing and new waterfront areas. The HEC has already launched a number of public engagement programmes for the review of the Wan Chai Development Phase II and the Kai Tak development, as well as other harbourfront enhancement projects. It is encouraging to see the community participating and responding actively in the process.
Early this year, the HEC developed a set of Harbour Planning Principles, which has served as guidelines for the Government, all individuals and organisations in the sustainable planning, development and management of Victoria Harbour.
The Government will continue to work with HEC and to engage the community in enhancing Victoria Harbour and its waterfront areas.
Members of the public can learn more about the Government's vision by making reference to a leaflet entitled "Our Living Harbour", which is available for distribution at a number of venues, including District Offices and public libraries, and at the website link
http://www.hplb.gov.hk/reclamation/images/OurLivingHabour_eng.pdf."
Ends/Sunday, November 13, 2005
Issued at HKT 18:10
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